The 82nd Airborne Division Combatives and Advanced Tactics Schoolhouse hosted about 450 fights that brought over 123 soldiers, to include five female soldiers, to participate in the two-day tournament. The Fort Bragg Combatives tournament, a quarterly event, was the first advanced-rules event held at Fort Bragg since 2008.

On the first day of the event, competitors began their fights using standard rules, and as they advanced, they began using the intermediate rules, requiring the use of shin guards for striking. During the finals’ tournament, there were a total of 14 fights using advanced rules in the tactical enclosure, which allowed fighters to use Mixed Martial Arts tactics in a safe, 24-foot round enclosure.

“These competitions are held as a way to motivate soldiers to train. They believe they are coming out here to have a good time, to fight and leave with a title, and they’re doing all these things, but what they’re really doing is becoming better soldiers, and better Warriors,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Yurk, director of tournament, non-commissioned officer in charge, 82nd Airborne Division Combatives and Advanced Tactics Schoolhouse.

The tactics these soldiers used to compete against each other in this tournament are the same tactics the Army trains them to use in a combat situation when an enemy is within a short distance.

“Combatives relate very well to tactical situations. When you’re in a tactical situation downrange, you have to make that decision to continue fighting or to get up and run. Your buddies to your left and right are relying on you not to give up and to finish the fight. To me, that’s what Combatives is all about, finishing the fight, having that willingness to close the distance with the enemy and finish the fight -- plain and simple,” said Staff Sgt. Chad Pehowic, senior level III Combatives instructor, 82nd Airborne Division Combatives and Advanced Tactics Schoolhouse.

The first place winner of the 155-pound weight division was Sgt. 1st Class Grant Shanaman, Charlie Company, 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, Long Rang Surveillance Company. He is no stranger to Army Combatives, as he competed in the All-Army Combatives Championships in 2005, taking away the 2nd Place title for the welterweight division.

“I tell my soldiers all the time, you’re not always going to shoot at a target, but you’re always going to be within striking distance, five to ten feet is striking distance,” said Shanaman.

Trophies provided by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation program were awarded to the first and second place winners of each of the seven weight divisions. Third place winners received a coin from the 82nd Airborne Division Commanding General.

For the 125-pound weight division, Spc. Derek Saari, Bravo Company, 4th Sustainment Brigade won the first place title; Spc. Tallin Jalo, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment won the second place title; and Pfc. Jesse Sablan, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment won the third place title.

For the 140-pound weight division, Sgt. Jimmylee Quiambao, Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment won the first place title; Spc. Terry Nguyen, Alpha Company, 782nd Brigade Support Battalion won the second place title; and Spc. Vichetra Lim, Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment won the third place title.

For the 155-pound weight division, Sgt. 1st Class Grant Shanaman, Charlie Company, 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, Long Rang Surveillance Company; Pfc. James Thrower, United States Army Combatives School, 82nd Airborne Division won the first place title; won the second place title; and Spc. Joseph Guerra, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment won the third place title.

For the 170-pound weight division, Sgt. Jeremy Hopper, United States Army Combatives School, 82nd Airborne Division won the first place title; Pfc. James Linton, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment won the second place title; and Pfc. James Figueroa, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 508th Special Troops Battalion won the third place title.

For the 185-pound weight division, Spc. Timothy Amsdill, 340th Psychological Operations Company won the first place title; Sgt. Gilbert Villa, Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment won the second place title; and Sgt. Eric Bast, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment won the third place title.

For the 205-pound weight division, Sgt. Colt Brown, United States Army Combatives School, 82nd Airborne Division won the first place title; Staff Sgt. James Markham, Bravo Troop, 2nd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment won the second place title; and Spc. Brenton Martin, Charlie Company, 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, Long Rang Surveillance Company won the third place title.

For the 205-pound and above weight division, Spc. Jovon Jackson, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment won the first place title; Staff Sgt. Henry Starke, Charlie Company, 96th Civil Affairs Battalion won the second place title; and Sgt. 1st Class Rick Wells, United States Army Special Operations Command won the third place title.

Congratulations to all the winners of the Fort Bragg Combatives Tournament. If you are interested in competing in the next tournament or have questions regarding the Combatives School, contact the 82nd Airborne Division Combatives and Advanced Tactics Schoolhouse through e-mail at: 82dairbornecombatives@gmail.com. The next tournament is tentatively scheduled for April.